If you're rocking and rolling one of these phones, devs now have some source to build new kick-ass goodies. Be on the lookout for them, and show them some love when it happens -- this sort of thing can be pretty rough on the nerves to do! If you're one of those developers and itching to get at it, hit the link to HTC-Dev and grab what you need.

Droid Bionic gets a mysterious OS update

We love updates. That is, we love updates when we know what they are and what they do. Such is not the case with the Motorola Droid Bionic, which is in the midst of getting an update to system version 5.9.901. Verizon's yet to post a changelog, and the OS version is still Android 2.3.4. Though AC reader Jim does note that there appears to be a new "Emergency Alerts" app, which might or might not be a part of that emergency alert system Verizon accidentally cookied off early a few weeks ago.

We've hit up Big Red in hopes of unraveling this one, and we've got more pics after the break. In the meantime, hit the forum link below to see what everyone else is seeing.

Dropbox update preview showing off its ICS optimization

The guys over at Dropbox have slipped a preview of a forthcoming update to their Android application out into their forums, complete with optimization for Ice Cream Sandwich.

Besides looking pretty sweet on ICS, there are also a couple of other nice additions that are forthcoming with this release. These include single tap access to all file and folder actions, ability to favourite files for quick offline access, and bulk upload for photos and videos.

This release isn't yet available in the Android Market, so if you want to try it out, the download and full changelog can be found by hitting the source link.

Sony Ericsson Xperia Active review

The idea of tougher, water-resistant electronics is nothing new, but this year we’ve seen rugged smartphones becoming increasingly more mainstream. Motorola has had a go at this type of product with its DEFY line, while Casio gave us the ridiculous G’zOne Commando, a phone you could probably drive a tank over. The Xperia Active sees Sony Ericsson enter this arena with a water-resistant, aluminum-framed device, aiming to strike a balance between ruggedness, aesthetics and pocketability.

We’ve been getting to grips with the Xperia Active over the past couple of weeks, so read on to find out what we thought ...

A well-built and good-looking device with speedy internals and a bright, clear screen. Water resistance works as advertised. Lots of bundled accessories.

Will be too small and too bulky for many. Paltry internal storage and tiny SD card.

It's not the phone for everyone, but the Xperia Active is well-suited to the particular niche it's aiming for. It's a thoughtfully-designed smartphone that will appeal to anyone after something a little tougher, or smaller, than what's offered by mainstream devices.

Naughty by Nature down with Android app

Naughty by Nature has been around for 20 years. We'll let that sink in for a minute. But they're also cooler than you in that they've got their own Android app. Photos, music videos, behind-the-scenes videos and social networking -- the holy trinity of any app -- are all there. And photo captions are narrated by Vin Rock. (And dude's pretty excited about that.)

Check out the video review above, and we've got download links after the break.

Kevin, Phil, Derek, Daniel, Georgia, and Rene take at look at the year in mobile, from BlackBerry to Android, webOS to Windows Phone, iPad to iPhone. Highs, lows, great new devices, frustrating delays, devastating losses, and a look ahead to 2012. This is Mobile Nations!

Super Bowl to be streamed to the NFL Mobile app on Verizon devices

The NFL on Thursday announced that Super Bowl XLVI will be streamed to the web and mobile devices -- including the NFL Mobile Android app available on Verizon devices. Additionally, the wild-card games and Pro Bowl also will be streamed. You'll get the same features we've long enjoyed on Sunday night games, including additional camera angles, in-game highlights and live statistics.

We are hard at work designing the Android Central phone comparison tool. By clicking on the image below you’ll be able to see the full screen version of our Buyer’s Guide. This will of course be fully interactive once it is live.

Archos announces the 70b Internet tablet, Honeycomb priced under $200

Archos has been around for quite a while, but they are looking to break into the Android tablet market in a big way with their 70b Internet Tablet, which features Honeycomb and checks in at $199. We don't have all the details when it comes to specs, but what we know puts this one squarely at odds with the likes of the Kindle Fire or HTC Flyer:

1.2GHz CPU

512MB RAM

HDMI out

1024x600 capacitive screen

Starting at 8GB internal storage

Micro SD Card slot

Android Market and Google Apps

Starting at $199 and coming in January 2012, it's certainly worth a look, which we'll be doing come CES -- which is right around the corner. Hit the break for the full press release.

Sphero rolls into consumers' hands, if you're lucky

For some while we've been hearing about Sphero -- the magical robotic ball controlled by your Android device and now they're finally reaching customers hands (floors, tables, backyards etc.) if you're lucky. Shipments are slowly moving out but the folks at Orbotix have more coming. In addition to the actual Sphero devices shipping, all of the apps are showing up in the Android Market as well.

Sphero - is the main app and has the important function of allowing you to update Sphero’s firmware automatically as new updates become available. It has basic driving functionality, basic draw n’ drive functionality and other cool commands. You can also track your driving stats and achievements with Sphero World – an online gaming community for Sphero fans that is still in the works. Expect a lot more from Sphero World in the near future!

Sphero Drive - is the app that gives you total control of driving with customizable features. Three speeds and driving methods are available – joystick, tilt, and RC.

Sphero Golf - brings out a whole new side of Sphero. Swing your phone or flick your finger to move Sphero down the course you create in your living room or office.

SpheroCam - allows you to record Sphero while you drive so that you never miss a moment.

If you've never got your order in on the first go, the folks from Orbotix are now taking preorders for the January 2012 and from the previous amount of orders placed -- we're guessing the price tag of $130 isn't stopping people, so likely best to get your order in as soon as possible. Jump on past the break to catch a video of Sphero in action.

As you can expect from the title, NFL Pro 2012 is a football game. With this game, Gameloft is testing their freemium model. The game itself is free, but you can purchase advanced plays and strategies once inside the game. If you don't feel like paying, you can unlock them by winning challenges.

Some of the highlights of this release include:

The improved AI promises a challenging game every time. You can also take on the advanced AI if you think you’re ready for the greatest challenge.

Choose from over 200 plays to beat your opponents or use the Playbook Editor to create your own tactics to outwit the opposition.

An assistant to help you make the right choices depending on time left, team skills and more!

Finely tuned gameplay will give you unmatched control when running, tackling or passing.

Thanks to motion capture technology, enjoy stunning graphics and an impressive level of detailed player animations that include running, tackling, celebrating touchdowns and more.

NFL Pro 2012 can be downloaded from both the Android Market and Gameloft HD Games Shop. For the Market download, please find links after the break as well as the official press release.

Google being sued by BT over alleged patent infringements

The Android world is no stranger to lawsuits, but the latest one coming from British Telecom goes right to the top. It's suing Google in the U.S. over claims that six of its patents have been infringed on by technology found in Android, from the system itself through to Google+, Maps, Docs, Gmail and other Google services.

The six involved patents are based around location based technology, navigation and guidance, and personalised access to content and services. One such example is said to be Google Maps' ability to display different information at different zoom levels.

While BT claims it are acting in the interest of protecting their "intellectual property rights and innovation," Google has come out with the full intention of fighting the lawsuit.

What isn't clear yet is whether or not BT intends to take similar action against Google in the European courts.

That's an international list, of course. For those of us in the United States, we'll probably be waiting on announcements from the individual carriers. Par for the course, but no less frustrating. Samsung says the Galaxy S II and Galaxy Note will be the first to be updated, starting in the first three months of 2012.